ANALYTICAL & LAB EQUIPMENT
Walking on water W
ater activity is a critical parameter in product development across various industries,
particularly in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It refers to the energy status of water in a product, which can impact chemical reactions, physical properties, and the growth of microorganisms. Unlike moisture content, which measures the total water in a product, water activity focuses on the energy of water, which influences the product’s stability and overall quality. Understanding and controlling water activity is essential for creating products that are safe, durable, and appealing to consumers.
WATER ACTIVITY: SAFETY AND QUALITY One of the most significant roles of water activity in product development is its impact on microbial growth. Microorganisms require a certain energy of water to maintain their internal turgor pressure, which is necessary for normal functioning. By controlling water activity, manufacturers can
inhibit microbial growth, thereby enhancing product safety. Water activity also plays a crucial
role in the chemical stability of products. Many chemical reactions are influenced by the energy of water. By adjusting water activity, developers can either slow down or accelerate these reactions, depending on the desired product characteristics. A well-balanced water activity level can ensure that a product retains its intended flavour, appearance, and nutritional profile throughout its shelf life. Similarly, in pharmaceuticals, maintaining optimal water activity can prevent the degradation of active ingredients, ensuring the product remains effective until its expiration date. Water activity affects not only the
safety and stability of products but also their sensory attributes, particularly texture. In food products, for instance, water activity influences whether a product is perceived as crunchy, chewy, soft, or dry. A slight change in water activity can alter the texture significantly, impacting the consumer’s sensory experience and satisfaction.
Water activity has a significant impact on microbial growth
Why water activity is the secret to quality and safety in product development
WATER ACTIVITY AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT There may be a tendency to think of water activity as only a QA test to be done on a finished product. However, incorporating water activity testing into product development can improve efficiency and help avoid costly mistakes. For example, if the impact of water activity is considered from the onset of product development, an ideal water activity can be identified and then passed on to production as the release specification for the product. If the product is made to that specification, there will be a significant reduction in waste or failed product. In addition, wasteful reformulation of an already released product to meet a necessary water activity is avoided. Water activity should also be
considered when making decisions about product packaging. It is important that packaging acts as a moisture barrier that prevents changes in product water activity owing to exposure to abuse storage conditions. Modeling can be used to determine the appropriate packaging that will sufficiently restrict water activity changes while avoiding costly over-packaging.
CONCLUSION In summary, tracking water activity during product development helps to set release specifications, identify external factors that could alter the water activity, and choose packaging that will ensure the product is safely delivered to the consumer. Thus, water activity remains a cornerstone of successful product development, shaping the characteristics and longevity of countless products in the market.
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